A Shelburne man, who after a domestic argument abducted his newborn baby and drove for hundreds of kilometres before being stopped by police, was sentenced to two years probation on Monday.

Colin James Lawrence, 45, was found guilty on Feb. 14 on a charge of child abduction dating back to the September 2011 incident.

He was sentenced on the charge on March 17 in Yarmouth.

Lawrence had been scheduled for trial last fall but he was a no-show and dozens of people who came for jury selection in Shelburne had to be sent home.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest and within days he was captured by police in Quebec City.

As a result, he was held in custody for 168 days until the matters were dealt with in court this week. On Tuesday, March 18, he was released from jail and sentenced to time served on charges of failing to appear for court and breach of a recognizance.

As a part of his two-year probation Lawrence has been ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from his ex-wife and their daughter.

There was a exception added for potential court-ordered access to his daughter, if strict conditions were followed.

As well, a ten-year firearms prohibition was ordered and he may be subject to take mental health counseling if ordered to by his probation officer.

After the 2011 abduction, RCMP said the police force had put “considerable” resources and effort into the search for the man and newborn baby. Police stopped his car near Oxford, about 20 kilometres from the New Brunswick border.